Title: Health challenges in Kanyaruchinya, North Kivu: MSF’s tireless fight
Introduction :
Over the past year, the Kanyaruchinya health center, supported by Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), has faced many challenges in its mission to provide essential medical care to the population of the North Kivu region, in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Thousands of consultations were recorded, illnesses such as malaria, scabies, diarrhea and respiratory infections were treated, as well as cases of sexual violence. This article highlights MSF’s efforts to meet the critical health needs of the population of Kanyaruchinya.
Increasing consultations: a response to growing needs
During the year, the Kanyaruchinya health center recorded a total of 82,229 consultations. Common illnesses such as malaria, scabies, diarrhea and respiratory infections accounted for a large proportion of these cases. However, the health center also provided care for victims of sexual violence, pregnant women and road accident victims. Faced with an upsurge in armed conflict in the region, more and more people have been displaced, leading to a significant increase in the number of daily consultations. Treatments adapted to these pathologies have been put in place to meet this growing demand.
Faced with epidemics: MSF’s rapid action
Apart from routine consultations, the Kanyaruchinya health center has also had to deal with outbreaks of cholera and an epidemic of measles. To fight against these diseases, MSF has launched vaccination campaigns targeting children from 6 months to 9 years old. A total of 108,949 children have been vaccinated, helping to curb the spread of these potentially deadly diseases.
Precarious living conditions: a cry of alarm from MSF
Despite efforts by MSF and other humanitarian organizations, living conditions in Kanyaruchinya remain precarious. According to UN estimates, around 210,000 people live in the region, and MSF continues to warn of the “unworthy” situation in which they find themselves. Further efforts must be made to improve health infrastructure, access to drinking water and sanitation, in order to guarantee dignified living conditions for the population of Kanyaruchinya.
Conclusion :
The MSF-supported Kanyaruchinya health center has played a crucial role in providing essential medical care to the people of North Kivu. Despite the challenges encountered, such as the increase in the number of consultations and the fight against epidemics, MSF continues its commitment to vulnerable communities in Kanyaruchinya. However, there is a need to step up efforts to improve living conditions in the region and ensure access to quality health care for all. The current situation highlights the continued importance of the work carried out by humanitarian organizations to meet critical health needs in the regions most affected by conflict and disasters